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McSherrystown students study the building blocks of learning

Bricks 4 Kidz visted the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School to talk about biomechanics.

By ROBYN FISHER

For The Evening Sun

Posted:
09/26/2013 08:04:34 PM EDT

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School third-graders from left, Emma Goddard, Windell Lee and Robert O brien examine a mechanized Lego animal that was part of an education even by York-based Bricks 4 Kidz on Wednesday morning. (THE EVENING SUN SHANE DUNLAP)

A mechanical lizard made of Lego bricks is on display for kids to examine at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in McSherrystown on Wednesday. The students were learning about animal biology through Legos when Bricks 4 Kidz, a STEM-inspired educational program, visited the school. (THE EVENING SUN SHANE DUNLAP)

If your child came home from school Wednesday talking about a chameleon's prehensile tail, you may not have immediately make the connection between biology and Lego building blocks.

But students in kindergarten through eighth grade at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in McSherrystown participated in an in-school field trip presented by Bricks 4 Kidz that made the link clear.

The hands-on learning experience started with a biology lesson on frogs, but shifted to building blocks when the presenter's screen displayed small Lego frog hopping across the table.

Created with motors, bricks and gears from the Lego Technic line, additional moving animal structures were added to the lineup: a walking chameleon; a fluttering dragonfly; a waddling seal; a crawling spider and a wriggling snake.

If the term remained unfamiliar, the concept of biomechanics was, perhaps, more clear.

"I want you to have as much time as possible to get your hands on them," said Eric Morris, co-owner of Bricks 4 Kidz.

Morris, a former teacher and guidance counselor, started the York-area Bricks 4 Kidz franchise 18 months ago with his wife, Heather. The program is designed to present STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - concepts in a way that peaks the natural curiosity of students while allowing them to interact with the plastic building blocks they know and love.

The Bricks 4 Kidz company has designed more than 300 motorized models and the educational activities are broken down in to more than 20 units that align with common core standards.

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"They're getting out of the classroom and learning about science concepts without knowing it," said Jennifer Hart, the school's development director, as applause and cheers came from the McSherrystown students.

Only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient and interested in a STEM career, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

"They need to be prepared for the jobs that are in the marketplace," Hart said of STEM education. "They need these critical thinking and problem solving skills; they need to learn to not just give up."

Her son Nathan, a fifth-grader, said he isn't as much of a Lego builder as he used to be, but he enjoyed the presentation.

"I like the mechanical engineering part of it," he said.

And Hart said the age group, students in kindergarten through eighth grade, are ready for the challenge of studying concepts such as simple machines, ecology, energy and biometrics.

The school is gearing up to introduce an after-school enrichment program with Bricks 4 Kidz, building on their in-school field trip experience.
"Science usually takes a backseat, so this can only be a good thing," parent volunteer Susan May said, referring to elementary education. "If my son wanted to take the class, I would definitely let him."

In recent years, the Annunciation B.V.M. School has increased opportunities for STEM learning through numerous grants and partnerships.

Kindergarten through third-grade students maintain a native plant and vegetable garden where they learn about measuring, plant grafting and the life cycle of butterflies.

Students in sixth grade will participate in Trout in the Classroom, a partnership between Adams County Conservation District and PA Trout Unlimited that involves raising fish from eggs to fingerlings. Students will monitor water quality while learning other aspects of ecology and water conservation before the fish are eventually released at Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve.

Eric Morris, of Bricks 4 Kidz, talked to students at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in McSherrystown on Wednesday morning. (THE EVENING SUN SHANE DUNLAP)

Another grant project, this one through the Captain Planet Foundation, was written by Hart and Lynn Toft, a grandparent volunteer at the school. In January, eighth graders worked on a solar energy project, which culminated in a solar light built to illuminate the school flag.

Also in the works is a Lego robotics competition, which Toft hopes will develop into a regional league.

These programs "allow (students) to make connections between STEM and play," she said.